Kayla Banwarth was named the Pan American Cup's best receiver on Sunday.

Photo Courtesy Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Courtesy: NU Media Relations

06/17/2013

The U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team produced a 25-12, 25-20, 25-18 victory over Dominican Republic on Sunday evening in Lima, Peru, to capture the Pan American Cup gold medal for the second consecutive year.

Former Husker Kayla Banwarth recorded eight digs and sevent receptions on 14 errorless attempts in the match. She was selected as the tournament's best receiver for her efforts over the course of the tournament.

Team USA, ranked No. 1 in the world by the FIVB, finished the tournament with a 5-0 record in its season-opening event under new head coach Karch Kiraly. The Americans have now won the Pan American Cup three times, including 2003 and 2012. Seven U.S. players competed in both the 2012 and 2013 gold-medal campaigns. Team USA is only the second country to successfully defend its title in the history of the intercontinental event, joining Cuba who won consecutive titles in 2004 and 2005. Meanwhile, Dominican Republic failed in its attempt to win its third tournament title and finished with its sixth silver medal.